Wildlife Conservation

Wild Skylark Conservation and Arable Farming

Skylark populations have recovered partially from their post-intensification crash through agri-environment interventions including skylark plots and spring cropping management.

Key Facts

Skylark populations declined by 75% in the UK between 1972 and 1996 due to agricultural intensification
Skylark plots - bare areas within cereal fields - provide nesting opportunities in dense crops
Spring-sown crops allow multiple nesting attempts, unlike fast-growing winter wheat
UK skylark populations have partially recovered in areas with high agri-environment uptake
Skylarks nest on the ground and are extremely vulnerable to machinery during nesting

Welfare Considerations

Skylark conservation success through agri-environment schemes demonstrates that targeted, evidence-based interventions can reverse farmland bird declines. The welfare of individual skylarks during breeding is shaped by agricultural management choices.

What You Can Do

Support skylark plot creation through agri-environment scheme advocacy
Record skylark sightings and nesting observations via BTO surveys
Advocate for machinery restrictions during skylark nesting season in farmland policy